Tui award for country album goes to Partridge

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Dunedin singer Melissa Partridge is all smiles at the home of New Zealand country music after winning the Tui for Recording Industry Association of New Zealand country music album of the year in Gore last night. Photo by Craig Baxter.

The 21-year-old singer stole the show at the New Zealand Country Music Awards in Gore when she won best country album for her self-titled effort Melissa, boosting her status in the New Zealand country music industry and giving her valuable clout for future recording work.

She was also in the running for best country song for I'll Be On My Way, co-written by her Dunedin-based mentor, Gordon Jones, but the pair missed winning that accolade.

It was the biggest night so far in her music career.

In the hours before the finals, Partridge said she was nervous but excited about performing on stage and being in the middle of one of the New Zealand industry's largest gatherings.

She beat former Gore singer Jackie Bristow (Crazy Love) and the Cattlestops (Back to Rosetta Road) for the best album.

Partridge and the other finalists performed their songs in front of a capacity crowd at the Gore Town and Country Club, with the second half of the show featuring New Zealand singer Shona Laing.

New Zealand Music Awards spokesman Campbell Smith said last night showed country music had never been stronger.

"This year's group of finalists once again shows the depth and talent of the New Zealand country music scene.

I''t's fantastic to be able to present our Tui [award] at the biggest country music festival in New Zealand.

''It's a great occasion which draws well-deserved attention to our local and offshore-based country artists."

The 35th annual New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards continue tonight with the junior and intermediate finals, while the overall winner will be named tomorrow night.